OPP Investigate Break & Enter

The Kenora Provincial Police are investigating a break and enter at Wincrief Forest Products.

Police say the break in happened between Monday December 21st and December 30th.

An unknown number of suspects made off with a portable 12/24 volt battery charger  and a Miller Trailblazer Welder.

The total cost of the stolen products is over 12 thousand dollars.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP at 548-5534 or Crimestoppers at 800-222-8477.

Fires Destroy 2 Properties in the Area

The number of house fires in the Kenora area continue to rise.

Yesterday the Kenora Fire and Emergency Services Department attended a fire on Easy Street north of the city.

Fire Chief Warren Brinkman says the road to the cabin made it impossible for them the access the site resulting in a total loss.

Also last night the Longbow Lake Fire Department responded to a chimney fire on Boulton Road.

Chief Baker says the house was a total loss as well as cold weather kept freezing their pumps and hoses.

Brinkman and Baker confirm that no injuries were reported in either fire.

With the 2 blazes there have now been 6 in the area since October including 4 since December 11th.

Police Investigate Assault

The Kenora Provincial Police are seeking assistance in locating the suspect of an assault on December 20th.

The assault occured when a 41 year old man was attacked leaving a bar near second street south.

He was attack by 2-4 other men who knocked him unconscious.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sgt Jeff DUGGAN of the Kenora Crime Unit at 807-548-5534 extension 3740.

Meanwhile, Impaired driving continues to be an issue in Kenora.

2 more drivers have been charged in the past week.

On the evening of the 27th police stopped 21 year old Tanner Lindstrom of Rat Portage First Nation on Golf Course Road.

Lindstrom was charged with impaired driving and driving without a licence and will answer to the charge next month.

Yesterday morning the OPP also stopped 42 year old mark Hignell of Kenora on Highway 17 East.

Hignell was also charged with impaired driving and answered to the charges yesterday.

New Year's Eve Events

 There are multiple ways to finish off 2013 tonight.

Mount Evergreen will be hosting the annual snowflake shake.

The night includes a prime rib dinner, music, skiing, and fireworks.

The club opens at 5 and runs until 9.

Also taking place tonight the Rotary Club is hosting their new years eve event at the kenora Rec Centre.

The evening includes free access to the skating rink, swimming pool, and fitness centre, and also includes hay rides.

The event runs from 4-7.

Rickford Speaks on First Nations Education Act

The Federal Government is encouraging First Nations to develop their own education framework.

So says Kenora MP Greg Rickford who is responding to the recent tension between the government and aboriginal groups over the First Nations Education Act.

Rickford notes it's important to work together.

He adds another priority is ensuring aboriginal children have a proper place to learn in.

Work Continues to Re-name Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls

Staff at the municipal office in Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls are starting the process of  finding a new name for the community.

Mayor Bill Thompson brought the issue up back in the fall and says they would like to get as much input on the new name as possible.

He says doing a plebiscite in the municipal elections next fall isn't an ideal solution.

Thompson says the name Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls was chosen by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and they would like to find something shorter that better reflects their community.

Search for MOH Going Well at Health Unit

The Northwestern Health Unit is hoping to announce the hiring of a new medical officer of health early in the new year.

Dr. Jim Arthurs is retiring at the end of March after five years on the job.

He says the goal is have his replacement in place sooner rather than later.

The search for a new medical officer of health is going much more smoothly this time around.

Last time, it took a full year for the Health Unit to find a new MOH.

Difficult Time in Parliament for Thunder Bay MP

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says he found it difficult dealing with the Harper government in 2013.

But Rafferty says he's not giving up his fight for pension protection, seniors and veterans.

Rafferty predicts the scandals that plagued the Senate and the Prime Minister office in 2013 won't be going away anytime soon.

Nishinawbe Aski Nation Reflects on 2013

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Harvey Yesno is reflecting on what has been an important year for aboriginals in Ontario.

Yesno feels that there have been strong economic contributions from first nations communities and expects more in the new year.

Yesno adds that he would like to see both Federal and Provincial levels of government more engaged.

NWBIZ On Search For New Manager

The new year will bring some changes on top the Northwest Business Centre.

Manager Diane Schwartz-Williams will be moving on to other ventures at the end of January.

Applications for a new manager are currently being accepted.

The application information is posted below.


Manager

Northwest Business Centre

The Corporation of the City of Kenora is currently recruiting for the position of Manager, Northwest
Business Centre. The Northwest Business Centre is an initiative of the Ontario Ministry of
Economic Development and Trade and Ministry of Northern Development Mines and Forestry in
partnership with the City of Kenora.

Reporting to the Deputy Clerk the consultant is to undertake business development initiatives and
programming to support the growth and development of the new and existing small business within
the Kenora Rainy River District as outlined in the Small Business Enterprise Centre Letter of
Agreement between the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry (MDNM&F) and the
City of Kenora. To work with the municipality and community stakeholders to provide small business
counseling and advisory services, business training and seminars and provide a resource centre and
undertake development initiatives and programming to support the growth and expansion of the
existing economic environment.

Qualifications:
-Possess a degree or diploma in business administration, economics, marketing or a related
field or equivalent approved combination of education and experience.

-Minimum three (3) years experience in small business or financial consulting including
developing a small business.

-Thorough knowledge of business plans, market analysis, financial planning and forecasting,
small business needs, business start-up procedures, and government and private sector
programs and services available to assist business.

-Excellent organization, interpersonal, communication and report-writing skills.

-Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

-Ability to communicate effectively and respond to business enquiries regarding business
start-up opportunities.

-Computer literacy utilizing MS Office software applications including word processing,
spreadsheet, presentation, social media and internet.

-Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including customer
service, communication, team work, initiative/self management and accountability, and
flexibility/adaptability.

-Must be extremely organized and capable of managing multiple tasks with no assistance.

-Manage and supervise others when required.

-District travel to regional communities is required.

-Ability to work outside regular business hours as required.

-Must understand and maintain strict confidentiality.

-Must have a valid driver’s license and provide own transportation.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a complete application package consisting of a cover
letter, resume and City application form found at:

www.kenora.ca or at City Hall by Noon January 3, 2014, to:

HR/Payroll Assistant – City of Kenora
1 Main Street South
Kenora, Ontario, P9N 3X2
Fax 807.467.2150 E-mail jring@kenora.ca

OPP Investigate Sudden Death

Ontario Provincial Police are investigating a sudden death in Vermilion Bay.

Dryden OPP say the death was reported around 5:00 on Christmas Day.

No foul play is suspected and a post mortem has been conducted at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

The name of the deceased has not been released.

Kenora Mayor Undecided on Future With City

There could be some change to the political landscape across northwestern Ontario next year.

Municipal elections will take place in October.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says he's still undecided whether he'll run again.

Canfield says he still has one more year at the helm of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association and that may be enough to convince him to run again.

Nomination papers will be available on January 2nd and the municipal election will take place in October.

New Fishing Regulations

Anglers face some new rules when they drop their lines in area lakes next year.

As of January first, catch limits for crappie and bass will be lower while a new size limit has been placed northern pike caught in lakes within the Ministry of Natural Resources zone 5.

Richard Boileau was part of a citizen committee that helped craft the new rules.

Boileau says the measures will help sustain the fisheries for generations to come.

Home Safety Tips for the Winter

Area residents planning to leave the snow and ice for warmer climates might want to think about getting their homes ready for vacation.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada's Pete Karageorges says simple things like draining water pipes and clearing vents can prevent the potential of a disaster.

Karageorges says also advises having someone check on your home regularly.

Campbell Protests Electricity Rates

The soaring cost of electricity continues to catch the attention of Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell.

The NDP member says the province must do something to reign in electricity rates.

Campbell says northerners can no longer afford to pay their bill with many seniors saying they may have to move out of their homes as their pensions can;t keep up with the soaring rates.

Campbell says since 2007 the off-peak rate has risen 140-percent and the on-peak rate has jumped 48-percent.

Kenora MP Defends Senate

The Senate scandal is likely not going away in the new year as the opposition finished the Fall session hammering the Conservative government over the issue.

Minister of State and Kenora MP Greg Rickford believes the Senate still serves a useful purpose.

Rickford says he's always felt that the Senate should be more accountable to the public.

He notes a few people have ruined the image of the chamber and highlights Dryden's Lynn Beyak's work in the Senate.

Labor Unrest for Personal Care Workers

Around 20 personal support workers with the Red Cross Care program in Thunder Bay are heading back in to work today.

Their union the SEIU announced that the strike was over on their website Christmas Eve.

Meanwhile, more labour unrest in the region....Unifor is applying for conciliation this week after talks with Dryden's Revera Home Health Care broke down on Monday.

The health care workers last contract expired June 1st and the two sides met numerous times since October in an attempt to reach a new Collective Agreement covering the 35 Personal Support Workers.

Unifor will also resume conciliated talks with Revera in mid-January for over 25 office and client services staff based in Thunder Bay who are seeking their first contract.

OPP Investigate Accident on Airport Road

The holidays weren't without incident in Kenora.

The OPP say they are investigating an accident involving a pedestrian on the Airport Road on Christmas Eve.

Police say a 37 year old man was walking in the northbound lane near Tetroe road around 6:15, when he was struck by a pick-up truck heading in the same direction.

The pedestrian was taken to Lake of the Woods District Hospital with a broken leg.

The OPP say they are continuing their investigation.

More Snow on the Way

Brace yourself for another shot of winter.

More snow is on the way.

Bill Laidlaw from Signal Weather Services says there is also a slim possibility of freezing rain later this morning.

Laidlaw adds that we can expect another 10 to 15 centimeters of snow to fall tomorrow as well.

Catholic School Board Deficit Increases

The Kenora Catholic District School Board will enter 2014 with a little
larger deficit than expected.

Figures submitted to the Ministry of Education shows the Separate School Board's deficit this year will be about 39 hundred dollars more than projected back in June.

Phylis Eikre says despite the larger deficit, they are still well within Ministry guidelines.

Eikre says spending was actually up about a half a million dollars from their  June estimates, but says all that money was accounted for through increased funding from the province.

Public School Board Hires Two Nurses

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board is addressing mental health and addictions needs in Sioux Lookout and Red Lake.

The Board has placed a nurse in Queen Elizabeth High School and Red Lake District High School to help students.

Director of Education Sean Monteith says the nurses will provide short-term assessment.

The nurses are funded by the provincial government.

New Year Will Bring Tax Exemptions for Airport and Local Legions

A balancing act for the city of Kenora.

Just before Christmas, city council approved tax exemptions for the Kenora Airport Authority and the Kenora and Keewatin Legions.

Mayor Dave Canfield says the airport exemption is the best option.

Canfield says the Authority breaks even operating the airport every year.

He also notes that if the Keewatin Legion is sold as expected then the taxes would be reinstated.

Gravelle Bullish On Mining Industry in 2014.

Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle is reflecting on 2013.

Gravelle says he understands that Cliff's announcement that they were ceasing their work on the mining project will be one of the biggest events in 2013.

He feels the development isn't dead in the water and will move forward in 2014
.

Gravelle does say he's pleased the premier has made northern Ontario a priority, going so far as to
hold a cabinet meeting in Sault Ste. Marie this year.

Project Elf Helps Families Over Christmas Holidays

More than 80 kids and their families in Kenora have been helped in
Project Elf this year.

Sally Hunt from the Northwest Community Legal Clinic says they've had great support from the community once again.

Hunt says they support a number of organizations, such as Changes Recovery Homes,
the Fellowship Center and Jubilee Church.

Senior Thistles See First Action of the Season this Weekend

The Kenora Triple "A" Senior Thistles are back on the ice this weekend as they prepare for their 4th straight Allan Cup appearance.

The Thistles will have an automatic berth to the national championship this year, because it's being hosted in Ontario by the Dundas Real McCoys.

General Manager Bryan Booth says the berth has helped to bring in players.

The seniors welcome the Manitoba triple "A" Lightning to the Thistle Arena on Sunday.

Puck drop is 1:00.

Stolen Vehicle Leads to Drug Chagres

A 43 year old man has been charged following a car theft in Kenora.

Provincial Police were called on Saturday to a stolen vehicle in the downtown area.

OPP located the vehicle and pulled the driver over around 1 in the morning.

As a result 43 year old James Spencer Puls of Kenora was charged with theft over 5 thousand, impaired driving, and possession of marijuana.

He answered to the charges in Kenora court yesterday.

Rickford Celebrates 2013

The MP for Kenora is looking forward to a full year as a cabinet member.

Greg Rickford was put in charge of Science and Technology as well as FedNor and the Ring of Fire earlier this year.

Rickford says work on those portfolios will focus on innovation.

He notes a couple of major businesses are looking up scaling their production thanks in part to federal support.

Campbell Addresses Possible Election

Will we be heading to the polls in the new year for a provincial election?

The Progressive Conservatives have been anxious to force and election, however the Liberals continue to live thanks to the NDP.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says the party made the right choice to support the most recent budget once the Liberals met their demands.

Campbell says she will speaking with constituents during the Christmas break to hear their concerns.

OPP Warn of New Computer Scam

A 43 year old man has been charged following a car theft in Kenora.

Provincial Police were called on Saturday to a stolen vehicle in the downtown area.

OPP located the vehicle and pulled the driver over around 1 in the morning.

As a result 43 year old James Spencer Puls of Kenora was charged with theft over 5 thousand, impaired driving, and possession of marijuana.

He answered to the charges in Kenora court yesterday.

NOVA Awards Set For January

The Northwestern Ontario Visionary Awards are going to be held January 18th.

Shift, Thunder Bay's Young Professional Network is one of the organizations behind the awards and Spokesperson Keith Anderson says he's pleased they've had 72 nominations.

The NOVA top 20 under 40 celebrates area residents who have accomplished great things in their community.

Annual Christmas Traditions Light Up the Night

Christmas begins today with 2 annual traditions in Kenora.

At 1:00 today the 15th Festival of Lights begins with a service by Pastor Cathy Giroux and Carols by the group Sideways.

Following the service thousand of ice candles will be lit at the Lake of the Woods Cemetery starting at 1:30.

In the mean time the 26th annual Tree of Life is glowing at the Lake of the Wood District Hospital.

The Hospital Foundation runs the campaign every year and is set light the star on Christmas Day.

Family Fundraiser Tonight At Shooters

Christmas spirit will be flowing tonight at Shooters.

Wes Romaniuk with the Lake of the Woods Hotel says they are holding a fundraiser for the Zroback/Skillen family after last week's fire on Drewry Drive.

Romaniuk says the night will feature country music and also includes a Chinese auction full of prizes donated by local businesses.

Entry fee for the fundraiser is a $5 donation with all proceeds going to the family.

Doors open at 8:00.

KPDSB Celebrates Successes of 2013

2013 proved to be a big year for the Keewatin Patricia District School Board.

Director of Education Sean Monteith says they've completed some big changes in Kenora including the expansion and french immersion program at Valleyview and the integration of Grade 7 and 8's at Beaver Brae

Monteith also highlights the closing and sale of Lakewood School.

Going into the new year he hopes to see Dryden High School install their new rubberized track, and a new high school for Sioux Lookout.

KCDSB To Continue Capital Work in 2014

Schools in the Kenora area are continuing to expand.

Director of Education at the Kenora Catholic District School Board Phyllis Eikre says they got 2 capital projects started in 2013.

Eikre says the expansion at Ste. Marguerite will be the focus of capital work next year.

She also made note of research going into a telecom entrance system for local schools.

Province Offers Up Recreational Funding

Provincial funding is being made available for local sports and recreational organizations

The Ontario Sport and recreational communities fund is looking for applications for 2014-2015.

Bill Mauro is the MPP for Thunder Bay and Atikokan and says last year the program supported over 350 thousand participants through 150 programs province wide.

In Kenora almsot 28 thousand dollars went to the Mount Evergreen Ski Club.

Any organization wishing to apply has until February 20th.

Follow the link for an application form visit http://www.grants.gov.on.ca/GrantsPortal/en/OntarioGrants/HowtoApply/index.htm

Campbell Calls Out Transportation Minister

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is calling on the government to take action on winter road maintenance.

This has been one of the most deadliest years on record and Campbell says it's one of the worst years for road maintenance.

Campbell says it's time for Transportation Minister Glen Murray to pay us a visit as he promised last month.

Campbell says alarm bells should be raised now that Iron Range Bus Lines has refused to travel Highway 502.

Rickford Frustrated at Trans-Canada Twinning

Kenora MP Greg Rickford calls it one of the most difficult portfolio he has ever dealt with.

Rickford is growing frustrated with the province and its lack of action on twinning the Trans Canada Highway between Kenora and the Manitoba boundary.

Rickford says the province is sitting on all of the resources that the feds have invested.

He notes the project has been stalled for way too long.

Midget Thistles Remain and .500

The Kenora Triple "A" Midgets can't seem to break the .500 record.

This weekend at the rec centre the Thistles split a pair of games with the Norman Northstars.

Dylan Gosselin-Archer and Tristan Salesse each scored a pair of goals on Friday on route to a 4-2 victory.

However Saturday night Norman would take a 3-2.

Tristan Salesse and Josh Brunton scored for Kenora in the loss.

The Thistles now enter the holiday season with a 13-13-0-2 record.

KCDSB Speaks Against Ideas For New System

Over half a million students could be effected if the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation gets their way.

The Kenora Catholic District School Board's director of Education Phyllis Eikre says the plan to move to a 2 board system has huge implications seeing as over 600,000 students attending Catholic education every day.

The OSSTF says the change would allow them to reinvest more money into the system.

Eikre disagrees stating that funding would still be based off the total number of students.

The OSSTF suggested a system based English and another in French in their education platform earlier this month.

Cold Weather Not Going Anywhere

The winter wonderland will continue for the region.

CJRL Meteorologist Bill Laidlaw says we won't see any change to the cold weather this weekend.

He notes today could see temperatures peak at minus 15 with just a hint of sun later in the day.

Laidlaw says we can expect cold temperatures to continue through Christmas.

City Approves Sewer and Water Hike

Sewer and water rates are on the rise.

City council has approved a 10 percent increase for next year.

Mayor Dave Canfield says the amount of aging infrastructure is the one big issue forcing the increase.

He says that the reserves need to be increased for when the city needs to make repairs.

Canfield noted that if consumption goes up in the next few years then they can put a stop to the hikes.

Mining Safety a Priority for Province

The provincial government is conducting a sweeping review of mining safety in the province.

Mines Minister Michael Gravelle says the review will include a wide range of areas including health and safety regulations and enforcement mechanisms,.

Gravelle says starting in early 2014, the province’s Chief Prevention Officer will lead an advisory group of industry, labour, and health and safety representatives to begin the sweeping review.

The review will get underway in the new year

Bronco Teams Wrap up 2013

Some redemption for Beaver Brae's Boys hockey team.

After losing the last match up with Thomas Aquinas the Broncos skated to a 5-1 victory last night against their cross town rivals.

Eastin Gauthier lead the way for the Broncos with 2 goals.

The win keeps Beaver Brae on top the NorWOSSA standings heading into the Christmas break.

However, it was not the same story for the Bronco court sports teams yesterday.

Beaver Brae was swept by Fort Frances at home to wrap up 2013.

In Basketball the senior boys lost 59-42 while the juniors dropped a 54-42 decision.

In girls volleyball both the senior and juniors lost in 3 straight sets to the Muskies.

Police Seize Illegal Cigarettes

The Kenora OPP have taken over $10,000 worth of illegal tobacco off the streets.

Yesterday afternoon police stopped a Dodge Caravan for speeding on Highway 17 West of the city.

OPP searched the vehicle and found 107 cartons of unmarked cigarettes.

As a result the 40 year old driver from Winnipeg has been charged with possession of unmarked cigarettes, and possessions for the purpose of sale contrary to the tobacco taxes act.

He will answer to the charges in March.

Drewry Drive Fire Update

Two people have been taken to hospital for treatment following a house fire in the Drewry Drive area.

Provincial Police confirm that a 13 year old boy has since been transported to the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg.

OPP also confirm the family pet died in the blaze.

Fire chief Warren Brinkman says at this point he says they don't know the cause of the fire, but their investigation will continue today.

Brinkman notes they are bringing in the Ontario Fire Marshall's office to assist.

The fire broke out in the living room area, but quick work from local fire crews kept the blaze from spreading to other rooms in the house.

Brinkman adds that there is extensive fire, smoke and water damage.

Sioux Lookout OPP Target Bootleggers

Some movement in the fight against bootleggers in Sioux Lookout.

Provincial Police have wrapped up a 6-month undercover operation with the arrest of three individuals.

76-year-old Robert Eby and 41-year-old Gilbert Belmore have been charged with 2-counts of unlawfully supplying liquor.

OPP say 30-year-old Christopher Singleton faces one charge.

All three are from Sioux Lookout and will appear in court at a later date.

OPP Release Name of Accident Victim Near Atikokan

Police have identified the vicitim of Tuesday's fatal collision on Highway 11 west of the city.

Dead is 76 year old Fredrick Munro of Atikokan.  

OPP says he was the driver of a car that collided with a commercial vehicle just east of Highway 633.

His passenger, a 71 year old woman from Atikokan is in the Thunder Bay Health Sciences Centre with serious injuries.  

The driver of the commercial truck, a 49 year old man from Thunder Bay, was not injured.

Health Officials In Thunder Bay Investigate Food Poisoning

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is looking into possible food poisoning following a banquet at the Moose Hall on Fort William Road.

Officials say that about 54 people who were at the event on Friday became sick.  

They hope to contact as many of the 270 people that attended the event as possible, that includes people from Greenstone, Dryden, Kenora and even Hamilton.  

Meantime health officials say charges have been laid and until further notice, the Moose Hall can't serve food.

Saints Sweep Atikokan

Thomas Aquinas court sport teams are going out of 2013 on a high note.

The Saints went 8 and 0 in games Tuesday and Wednesday in their home gym.

Yesterday, T.A. Court sport team swept Atikokan.

The Saints senior girls volleyball squad won in three straight sets, while the Thomas Aquinas junior girls beat the Voyageurs three sets to one.

In boys basketball, the T.A. junior boys eked out a 32-31 win over Atikokan, while the Saints Senior boys earned a 32-21 victory.

Today, Beaver Brae's court sport teams play their final games before the Christmas break with
Fort Frances in town.